From SueSue’s Reflection for Youthspace The pictures do not tell the story; not even seeing the scenes up close. It is important to touch a person’s life and hear that person’s story to understand the situation. During the second week of July, 13 youth and 4 adults from our Diocese joined with a much larger group from the Diocese of Georgia for a mission trip to the Gulf Coast. Our task: to come together as a group, to share our faith, and to attempt to assist some of the victims of Katrina. Without a doubt, we did all of the above; but what we came to understand was so much more. Each day eight different groups of 10-12 young people and adults journeyed to different homes throughout the coast areas of the two panhandles of Alabama and Mississippi. Most went to the same sites each day; some to different sites. In some places the homes showed little damage, in others the devastation was unbelievable. All learned new skills— repairing floors; laying carpet; hanging drywall; tapping and mudding AND sanding; and, still, even some demolition. It is hard to take in all of the destruction; to come to terms with the reality that it has been almost one year since many of the victims of this storm have lived in their own homes, that many will never come back, and that these neighborhoods and communities will never be the same again. Each day the group of young people I worked with drove into Mississippi and the community of Pastougula to the rental home of a middle-aged woman. All around us were the sounds of construction; only along the shore in the big houses were these sounds made by official construction workers. The rest were generated by groups like ours—four on our block alone. It became apparent early on that the home was damaged more than that owner was willing to acknowledge and this situation created some questions for all of us. Was the repair work we were doing covering up some things that really needed to be fixed? We made some choices, and didn’t cover up some things, but continued the work we were asked to do—hanging and tapping and mudding drywall. The renter seems to be disinterested in what we were about, meeting us at the house on some mornings and then disappearing as quickly as she appeared. Finally, on the last day of our work as we were frantically trying to finish—three bedrooms, and the living room and dining room—she came by. I asked if she had been present during the storm, and she began to talk. I then asked if she would tell her story to the young people, and she agreed. We stopped our work and took seats on the floor. She shared her experience of having gone to stay with a friend a few blocks away; both of their homes were about 4 or 5 blocks from the shore. She and many in the community had stayed through Hurricane Camille, so they believed they could stay for this storm as well. However, with Camille there was not the water surge that was present with Katrina. She shared how the water began to come into the house. At first it was very calm; then it began to rise so quickly that within 30 minutes it was up to her chest and the wind and rush of water outside were extremely intense. She tried to get out many times—through the door that would not open, through windows that had been nailed shut—before making the statement to herself that she was going to die. Finally she managing to kick out a window and jump into the rushing water, with debris flying and floating by—cars, trees, furniture, homes. The power of the water and wind were intense and ultimately carried her about 2 and a half miles. During that “swim” she looked back to see the heads of many people bobbing in the water. She saw a woman trying to save her two dogs and she thought, “That woman and her dogs will never make it.” Finally she was able to reach out and grab and hold on to a pillar outside a church building, and the people on the second floor pulled her in through a window. She had cut her foot severely when leaving the house on broken glass of the window, and when she got into the church she realized it was much worse then she had thought. And she thought to herself, “I’ve been through all of this only to bleed to death!” A woman approached her, with scratch marks on her face and neck. It was the woman with the two dogs—all three had made it. The woman was a nurse, and she managed to bandage our storyteller’s foot. She then shared that for four months she was on crutches, living in the backyard of her house in a tent, with no running water or lights, with vans of church folks from all over the country coming in each day to bring them water, food, and supplies. Finally in December of last year she was given a FEMA trailer, where she has lived up to now. It was then that she tried to express what the work we were doing meant to her, as she stated that maybe tonight she would sleep in her house because the walls we had created made her feel as if she could see the way to coming back home for the first time. She wanted to give us something for our work, but said that in the matter of minutes she lost everything—home, possessions, car, job, livelihood, and, most of all, hope. She said that we had given her that, and we knew that the work we had done was worth everything and her expressions of thanks were more than we needed. Please pray for Deborah, her neighbors and friends, and the many who continue to labor all along the Gulf Coast. And let’s not forget to continue to work with them so that they can restore their lives.  News from our DioceseGulf Coast Mission trip reflectionsThis week has been an amazing experience. IT has been an emotional rollercoaster. I have a new outlook on my life. I, not only learned how to drywall and mud, but I learned a lot about myself. I learned to appreciate what I have, and that material things are not the most important. It’s the love you share with others around you. Just be yourself, don’t act like someone else to impress others. IF all you have is material things and go through the devastation of something like a hurricane, you are left with nothing. I came into this week expecting to make a difference in someone’s life. I not only did that, but I realized what true friends are and how lucky I am to have them. They made a huge difference in my life this week. I’m leaving today with a new outlook on life, a new outlook on myself. I’ve realized that people you judge and second guess can turn out to be amazing, loving, caring and some of the best people in the world. I’m taking home a new me; a new Stephanie. I’ve learned that people really do love you, would do anything for you and will always be there for you. They will listen to you at 7:00 in the morning. Hearing stories this week only proved that even more. There is an unconditional love that we all share. With friends, family and God, anything is possible. Smelly, sweaty, hot, tired, sore. Those were a few words that described how I felt on thie mission trip. That is not what I remember the most about the trip. What I will remember most is the friendship, the love, the fun, the determination and overall the hope that we brought to those that suffered so much. On this trip I saw and felt many things. When we first arrived at All Saints Church, I saw strangers and I felt nervous, but excited. When I left, I saw family. IT made me both happy and sad. I was sad because I was leaving my new family, but happy because I HAD a new family. I was also happy because I helped a family get back on their feet and because I was going back home.I wished that I could stay for the whole summer, but one thing I knew that I learned at Happening is that you cannot stay on the mountaintop forever. You have to come down eventually. While on this trip I learned that you cannot take anything for granted, even the small things. For instance, a floor. A nice floor makes all the difference. God was truly with us on this trip. This trip will be an experience that I will never forget. It makes me feel good when I can help someone who has lost everything they own. I appreciate my life more after seeing how the victims of Katrina have lived for a year. The most unforgettable thing about this trip was listening to how the life of the victims have been for the past year. The trip has and will change my life, and change my outlook on life. I also met new people and became friends with everyone and learned to love everyone. This is going to be a story that I will tell over and over when I get older.
This past week I have experiences a new outlook on life and God. I was able to meet new friends. While working at the house I realized how lucky I am to have a house and family that care about me. Being able to see how much one little thing could affect someone’s life was amazing. The whole community in the area was very welcoming and polite. The neighbor was such a good person he let us use all his tools and electricity. He also gave us sweet pickles because that was all he had to give. Two days before I was to leave for this mission experience, began to seriously consider staying home. I wasn’t incredibly close to any of the youth going, had already been gone most of the summer and was struggling with my sick grandfather. Somehow, God made sure I ended up here and for that I am so grateful. If I had stayed hoem I would have missed my amazing group, being a mentor and awesome discussion with amazing people. As groups were announced I was placed in group 2 not really knowing anyone. I quickly noticed that I would be working really awesome people. I ahd adults with so much love. I could literally see God working through them. The Memberes were people I worked, danced, napped, snag, lauged and prayed with. As Sarah put it, “If I wasn’t in Group 2, I would wish I was in Group 2.” This trip also helped me learn to serve people younger than me in and out of my group. I have o lot of the younger girls makeovers. The confidence and excitement our interest in them brought was overwhelming. This experience also brought me into community with youth like me. We were able to exchange ideas about our youth retreats and grow in ourselves, and in Christ. As always, I am astounded by the relationships that come from these experiences. The week has come to a close and though I laeave tired and ready to be home , I thank God for the experience to work, love and live with such an awesome group! This past week has been one of the best weeks of my life. I have met a new people and I have a new outlook on life. I now appreciate what I have a lot more than before the trip. It was cool because a large group of strangers came together and worked on other stranger’s houses and by the end the week everyone knew each other and we meant a lot to the people who owned the houses. This week has been one of the most important weeks of my life and I hope to do it again sometime in the future. During my time on this mission trip I have found myself confronted with many difficulties that have caused me to grow closer to Christ as a result. One thing that happened, which really affected me was that our homeowner seemed to show no appreciation. He criticized my mistakes, but I just kept reciting Psalm 23. I have known this psalm since third grade, but this is the first time it has really become clear to me. All in all I think it was an awesome trip and I had such a great time with my group. Even though we did not get to experience joy from the home owner, we got the satisfaction that we did the job to the best of our ability for Christ. You could truly say we spread Christ’s love by example.
First of all this trip was AWESOME! I had low expectations coming into this mission trip because it was my first one. The bus ride over here was weird because I only knew one person on my bus. When we arrived, I couldn’t believe that there were over 80 teens. I only knew four of them. I was quiet for the first 2 days because I needed to adapt to my surroundings and older people. I ended up making friends with 20+ people! Seven of them were in my awesome work group. I didn’t make a single enemy. I tried to be nice to everyone. The scariest thing coming into this trip was taking showers. It wasn’t as bad as I thought, but still pretty nasty. I am extremely glad I can go back to my own PRIVATE shower. I also had lowe expectatiosn about the beach. I thought everyone would be nervous and no one would have fun. It was the total opposite! Everybody had a great time. I feel that I have gotten closer to Christ on this trip. I also realized how truly fortunate I am. I HAD LOTS OF FUN!!! (and came closer to Christ) When I first came to the house I was going to be working in I was worried we would be unwelcomd. I thought that we were just going to go fix a hosue no strings attached. Then, we met the woman’s granddaughter and we began to talk to here. We found that we had a lot in common like dancing. I realized that these people were just like us, but had all the material things taken away. I didn’t think the people I was helping would actually end up helping me too. It was amazing. Refelctions on a week in Mississippi O creator of the stars and moon Fashioner of day and night Worker of Wonders How could I have not realized sooner All these things a right That now make stronger my soul The power of your cross, greater than any ruin Which alone, can make souls alright With a higher power than any creative other Our covenant declared; Your cross to bear The first of Pentecost within us Our silent witness shown Raising an outstretched hand Devastation surrounding us Work of the wind’s hard blow Now dry, water covered land Cheering as the floor and ceiling shuts Upon dry walls the sanders mow Nail and hammer in our hand Joy on and older woman’s face; As finally we have finished the race True love, true friendship observed S all we have served Thanksgiving for our blessings For our opportunities for serving — Zach Braddock, St. Michael and All Angel’s, Columbia This past week has been life changing. Not only have I learned more about the hurricane devastation and its victims, but I have also learned a lot about people, including myself. I have met people who have touched my life and in turn I hope I have touched theirs. I have learned that not everyone will “love” you, but you have to love them anyway. Be positive, and be yourself; it’s a must! Having an open mind and an open heart is the key to being a true Christian. This trip was amazing.
We as a diocese helping hurricane victims were disciples of God – more so than usual. As God’s children, we are bound to do what He gets us out to do. This mission trip let us do just that. For that, we should be thankful.
Seeing life through a young child’s eyes opened me up more and more as my group was in Moss Point, MS. The excitement a young girl had because of us being there, working in her bedroom and dancing with her on breaks was indescribable.
The fact that the family my group worked for could finally take a small “vacation” from working on their home, because of our help, was a huge relief to them. They were able to spend quality time with extended family without worrying about how their house was going to hold up. If we were in their shoes, we’d want that same “luxury.”
When they adults told us not to judge hurricane victims’ needs for help (based on the possessions they might own), it hit me that yea, they might have a big-screen TV, but a) they could have salvaged that before the hurricane hit and b) a $5,000 TV is cheaper than rebuilding a home. Also , the victims needed comfort and if a big TV does that for them, GREAT! Lesson: Don’t judge a victim by his possessions – or lack thereof.
Upcoming Fall Events
Happening UpdatesThe committee is beginning to set plans in motion for the first Happening weekend to take place in Ecuador in the summer of 2007. Members of the Happening community of Upper SC, who have some skills in Spanish, will journey to Ecuador to join with the youth leaders who experienced Happening Uno last summer in South Carolina. This is an exciting opportunity and those who might be interested in participating in this venture should contact Sue at the Diocesan House. All participants will be expected to have some conversational Spanish to serve as leaders at this event. National Youth Workers Conference in Charlotte, NCThe National Youth Workers Conference will be held in Charlotte, NC November 30-December 4. This is a conference that youth workers across the country attend to share ideas, programs and experiences. Rich Jones, a 12 year verteran says, "I enjoy bringing my team of youth workers from our church and living the convention throug their experiences." If you are interested in attending this event, please visit their Web site: www.youthspecialties.com/NYWC PYE 2007Mark your calendars for the Provincial youth Event in Province IV, July 17-22, 2007. The event is for senior high youth, rising 10th grade through rising freshman in college in the summer of 2007. PYE 2007 will be a week of mission work, worship, laughter, singing, prayer, experiencing the greater Church in action and much more! A portion of each day will be working along the Mississippi Gulf Shore which has been devastated by hurricanes. The the theme for the week will be, "In it, by it, throught it".Further information and registration forms will be sent out this fall. For now, mark you calendars for July 17-22, 2007. If you have any questions, please contact The Rev'd Sue Von Rautnekranz, 803.771.7800, ext. 13. Back to Home News from our parishesSt. Peter's youth return after a marvelous timeSenior high youth at St. Peter's, Greenville returned July 21st after a week in Marvell, Arkansas for mission work with Youth Works. Atendees were Bryan Long, Cathy Long, Ross Ovington, Marla Dailey, Georgia Garrett, Sarah Wagoner and Zach Landrum. Adults included valli Landrum and Thom Long. St. John's returns from John's Island July 30Upon their return to St. John’s on Sunday July 30, the students and adults who were involved shared with the Parish a little bit about their trip. We wanted to share with you an excerpt from one of the 3 short homilies shared on that day by students. Emily Williams concluded her talk with the following remarks: Reflection by Emily Williams August 9, 2006 PrayersPlease continue to pray for Sue von Rautenkranz as she continues to recover from hip replacement surgery. She is doing well and is looking forward to getting back in the swing of things. Keep our troops in your prayers as they are deployed everyday. God, protect them as they protect us and those in need around the world. Please also protect our youth as school starts this fall. Whether it is going away to college or those first few days of middle and high school. Keep them strong mentally, physically and emotionally as they embark on another year of learning and growing. If you would like to submit a prayer request, please contact Bethany Human, bhuman@edusc.org or 803.771.7800, ext 19. Feedback |
